Tetzaveh
This week’s Parsha discusses the special wardrobe of the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, while performing the service in the Holy Temple. Those special clothes were to be worn at all times.
After describing the fine fabric needed to weave the Kohen Gadol’s robe, the verse describes a unique mechanism attached to the bottom of the garment. “On its bottom you should make pomegranates… a golden bell and a pomegranate all around.” (Shemot 28:32-35)
These details were not solely ornamental. The verse tells us that bells would make noise as he walked, thus serving as a constant announcement each time he entered a room.
Commenting on this verse, the Tzror Hamor draws a lesson from this unique feature. The Torah, he says, is teaching us basic etiquette. When entering a room or house, we should always make sure to first announce ourselves and not enter suddenly without prior warning.
While this lesson is certainly valid, why does the Torah choose to stress this specific lesson in middle of a completely unrelated topic?
This, says the Tzror Hamor, is the true depth of this lesson; it is specifically here, where the Torah deems it necessary to teach this point. The Kohen Gadol dressed in the most beautiful and spiritual clothing, enveloped in an aura of holiness; even then, the most basic elements of Derech Eretz, human courtesy, needs to be stressed and not forgotten.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe derives yet another lesson from the noise of the Kohen Gadol’s bells: in our noisy world, full of movements and trends, Jews can be confident and openly observe our age old heritage. In other words: Mitzvot should be done loudly and proudly!
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the translation.